Browse Data and Analysis

U.S. agricultural exporters of consumer-oriented products are well-positioned to increase sales to Guatemala. In 2023, U.S. consumer-oriented export values reached a third-consecutive record on 15 percent growth from the previous year (Figure 3).

The Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Food (MAGA) regulates Guatemala's genetically engineered (GE) plants and animals.

This report contains the list of all the mandatory export certificates required by the Government of Guatemala for agricultural imports.

Guatemala adopted the Central American Regional Technical Regulation RTCA 67.01.31:20, which updates the food product registration process. The regulation entered into effect on August 5, 2024, superseding previous regulation RTCA 67.031:07.

In 2023, the Guatemalan market showed significant potential for growth, with supermarkets, hypermarkets, and independent food stores expanding their locations.

Guatemala ranked as the #16 largest U.S. agricultural export market despite a nine percent decline, mainly due to lower imports of bulk commodities in 2023, reaching $1.6 million. It's crucial to remember that Guatemala, relying on foreign exchange by international trade, remittances, and tourism, is the largest economy in Central America, with an estimated gross domestic product (GDP) of $102.8 billion, a 19-million-person market, and relative economic stability.

Guatemala coffee area was updated by the National Coffee Association (ANACAFE), accurately reporting now 376,000 hectares (Ha) from previous 305,000 Ha. The updated area and number of trees do not affect previous data or production estimates. Guatemala maintains position 9 as the largest coffee exporter and 4th largest Arabica coffee exporter worldwide.

In marketing year (MY)2024/25, Guatemala is forecast to produce 2.4 million metric tons (MT) of sugar from a harvested area of 242,000 hectares (Ha). Though harvested area is increasing as positive sugar prices in the international market motivate producers to keep up renovation with improved local genetics, overall production is forecast to drop four percent for the estimated harvest of MY2023/24 (2.5 million MT), due to a late start to the rainy season and an extended El Niño year.

Guatemala continues to be a net importer of both yellow corn and rice. Corn area and production in MY2024/2025 are forecast to slightly increase to keep up with increased consumption for both food and feed; the avian sector keeps steady growth at 3-4 percent annually.

U.S. exports of agricultural products to Guatemala in 2022 increased 11.2 percent from 2021, reaching $1.8 billion. The Guatemalan economy relies on foreign exchange generated by international trade, remittances, and the tourism sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) has a regulation in place for the approval of biotech crops.

On July 14, 2023, Guatemala notified G/SPS/N/GTM/75, corresponding to the Regional Technical Regulation (RTCA) 67.04.79:23, providing specifications for yogurt.